< previous page page_516 next page >

Page 516
upon us now. Owain, go down, taking with you any grooms you can find, and saddle horses for as many men as you think can ride."
"We go out, my lord?"
"We must go out. My men left believing me a prisoner. If those who come, come to save us, how will they know that those who attack are not also striving to save us?"
"But if we open the gates"
"We will lose the walls and baileybut we will do so anyway. And if we are not within to be slain, Gwenwynwyn will do no hurt to the wounded or the serving-men and womenfolk. They would be killed only to silence them on the how and why of our deaths."
"Lord" Geoffrey's voice was muzzy.
Ian turned his head sharply, relief lending even more animation to his face. Owain had not seen his lord because Ian had been stooped over, dragging his younger squire to safety, or what safety he could provide for him. "Lie there," Ian said. "Do not stir. Look and see if you can find where you are worst hurt."
"My head," Geoffrey mumbled. "I am not hurt. From the wall one struck me on the head with his shield."
"Can you stand?"
Geoffrey began to struggle upright, and Ian turned to Owain again. "Take him with you. If he can helpgood. If not, he may rest until we ride out, and then he must be bound to a horse and guarded as best as may be. When the beasts are ready, return to Sir Peter and tell him. Then let blow the trumpets for retreat into the bailey. When the men come down, we can tell them to mount. It can do no hurt to say help comes. Go! Now! They come at us again. Go, I say!"
The paralysis of surprise and the discussion that followed did not hold Lord Llewelyn long, but unfortunately, it was long enough for some of the servants in Gwenwynwyn's camp to notice them. Word spread

 
< previous page page_516 next page >